Zimbabwe’s ‘People’s Army’ Uprising: 65 Soldiers Arrested Amidst CAB3 Controversy
Harare – A profound sense of unease has gripped Zimbabwe’s military establishment following the arrest and alleged torture of 65 soldiers, including high-ranking officers, at the 2 Brigade Headquarters in Cranborne Barracks, various news outlets in Zimbabwe have reported. The military personnel, ranging from Guard Commanders and sentries to corporals, lance corporals, and privates, were reportedly apprehended by the Intelligence Field Security personnel from the Military Intelligence Directorate (MID) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. Their alleged transgression: distributing incendiary leaflets bearing the cryptic code name “THE PEOPLE’S ARMY” across various cantonment areas in Harare.
The leaflets, which have ignited a firestorm of speculation and concern, were discovered scattered throughout key military installations, including the 1 Commando Regiment, 2 Brigade, Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks (KG6), Dzivaresekwa Barracks (2 Infantry Battalion), and Manyame Air Base. This incident, as detailed in an emerging report, points to a “deepening institutional decay within the ZNA” and suggests widespread discontent brewing within the ranks of the armed forces. The arrested soldiers are currently undergoing intense interrogation, with disturbing claims of torture being employed to extract confessions, raising serious questions about human rights and the state of morale within the military.
The content of these mysterious “THE PEOPLE’S ARMY” leaflets, though not fully disclosed, has clearly unsettled the military hierarchy. However, information gleaned from various sources indicates that the pamphlets were a scathing critique of senior political and military figures. The authors, who identified themselves as members of the security services, accused these figures of neglecting the welfare of ordinary soldiers while enriching a wealthy elite, whom they pejoratively referred to as “zvigananda.” The leaflets lamented the deteriorating working conditions within the ZNA, stating, “Our conditions of service are pathetic. We need decent salaries, accommodation, uniforms, buses and vehicles — not handouts.”
Furthermore, the anonymous authors directly challenged the military leadership, accusing them of prioritising the protection of these politically-connected individuals. They posed pointed questions such as, “Why are serving members deployed to protect zvigananda?” and alleged, “You are busy dividing the army by paying some through unofficial channels.” The pamphlets also claimed that “You have destroyed our special forces and elements of the Presidential Guard, recruiting them into retirement to protect zvigananda.” These statements paint a picture of deep-seated resentment over perceived corruption and unequal treatment within the military, suggesting a growing chasm between the leadership and the rank-and-file.
The timing of these arrests is particularly significant, coinciding with widespread disgruntlement over the proposed Constitution Amendment No 3 Bill (CAB3). This controversial bill is seen by many as an attempt to dilute military powers and consolidate political control. Retired Vice-Air Marshal Henry Muchena has been vocal in his opposition, arguing that CAB3 is being driven by a select group seeking to protect their ill-gotten wealth. The bill, published in a Government Gazette Extraordinary on 16 February 2026, triggered a 90-day public consultation period, during which it faced considerable opposition from various sectors of Zimbabwean society.
CAB3 proposes several significant changes to the Zimbabwean constitution. Notably, it aims to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, a move that critics argue would prolong President Mnangagwa’s tenure and further entrench his power. Other proposed amendments include granting the President the authority to appoint judges without public interviews, removing the running mate clause for presidential candidates, and allowing the President to appoint up to seven additional non-constituency ministers. These changes have been widely criticised for centralising power in the executive and undermining democratic checks and balances.
The political landscape in Zimbabwe has been marked by an ongoing power struggle between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga. This rivalry, which dates back to the 2017 military-backed ousting of Robert Mugabe, has intensified with the introduction of CAB3. Chiwenga, a former army general who played a pivotal role in bringing Mnangagwa to power, is widely believed to harbour presidential ambitions. The proposed constitutional amendments are seen by some analysts as Mnangagwa’s attempt to outmanoeuvre Chiwenga and secure his own political future.
Indeed, the relationship between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga has been fraught with tension. Reports suggest that Chiwenga has been actively working to undermine CAB3, viewing it as a threat to his own political ascendancy. The military, traditionally a powerful force in Zimbabwean politics, appears to be divided, with factions aligning with either Mnangagwa or Chiwenga. This internal strife within the ruling ZANU-PF party and the military creates a volatile environment, where incidents like the “People’s Army” leaflets can quickly escalate into major political crises.
The arrests of the 65 soldiers, including a Major from the Military Intelligence Directorate (Presidential Guard), further highlight the deep divisions within the ZNA. According to the Newsday, however, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has claimed ignorance over the pamphlets. ZDF public relations director, Colonel Hlengiwe Dube, told NewsDay that the military was not aware of the developments before requesting that further questions be submitted in writing.
The situation is further complicated by the economic hardships faced by ordinary Zimbabweans, including soldiers. The leaflets explicitly mentioned the “pathetic” conditions of service and the need for “decent salaries, accommodation, uniforms, buses and vehicles.” While the government has previously announced intentions to increase soldiers’ salaries, and there have been discussions about allowances, the reality on the ground appears to be one of continued struggle. This economic discontent, coupled with political infighting and constitutional changes, creates a fertile ground for dissent and unrest within the military.